According to a The Age interview with executive vice president of Lexus International, Kazuo Ohara, Lexus could bring a compact crossover concept to the Tokyo Motor Show in November:

Specific details are still under wraps, but Ohara told Drive that the new SUV is a crucial model if the brand intends to increase its growth worldwide.

“Yes, we believe there is a need,” Kazuo says. “Smaller than the RX – a smaller SUV is going to be a promising option for the global market.”

“So we are looking into it,” he says.

When asked whether the car would be based off the same platform as the boxy, urban-focused CT200h hatchback, Ohara replied with caution.

“It’s still secret, but we are seriously considering [offering a car such as this].”

Kazuo confirmed that a concept vehicle will be uncovered this year, “maybe around Tokyo [motor show]”, which falls in late November.

It’s only natural to turn to the future now that the next-generation IS has been introduced, and this is the first public statement that starts to fill in the 2013 timeline.

As mentioned during Mark Templin’s press conference, the 2014 IS will be available at dealerships in June — with the GX & CT as the only two models that have yet to receive the full spindle grille treatment, Lexus now has the flexibility to introduce new models to the lineup.